Spotlight on Small Business: “Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp” – August 2010

Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp on Tybee opened Friday, August 13th,… complete with a new Pole Barn built with reclaimed antique, heart pine posts – each 14 feet tall.

The wood framing is reclaimed 3″x12″. The covered sitting area is made with Savannah common red brick. Owner, Gerald Schantz says the structure incorporates everything that could be made from reclaimed lumber. Only the roof decking and the tin are new.

Schantz is very excited to be back on Tybee, and is definitely no stranger – he’s been planning the venture since 2006, but even as a youngster, he could be found on the island roasting oysters between a second-hand piece of tin and an old burlap bag. For years, he also volunteered for roasts staged at Old Fort Jackson, where it wasn’t unusual for 100 lbs of oysters to be cooked at one time. Back in the early 90s, Schantz, who’s also a stain glass artisan and theatre thesbian happened on an opportunity to cater a private party for the cast and crew of “This Old House” that included John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Before the event was over, Schantz found himself talking to the show’s producer who commissioned him to handle the company’s ‘wrap’ party in Monterey Square. This event was so successful the entrepenuer was able to purchase the first of several custom grills on wheels that formed the beginnings of his rolling catering service, GERALD’S CHUCKWAGON.

As his fame spread Schantz was sought for other catering gigs like Savannah’s “Shakespere in the Park,” where the savory smoke of barbecue on the evening breeze regularly drew patrons and cast members to his services. He also opened Gerard’s Diner in Savannah in 2006, and has continued to work his catering service.

Shantz’s newest venture, Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp marks a long road back to Tybee Island – 8 years in the making. With easy access at Highway 80 East and McKenzie, Gerald’s promises fresh, local shrimp, fried or grilled; and slow cooked pork – dinner or sandwich, always served with Gerald’s “special sauce.”BBQ Ribs are also available, as well as slow smoked wings that are fried when ordered and served “Tybee” style. Gerald’s slow smoked Beef Brisket has been a big hit already… AND he serves up combos of all of the choices on the menu so folks can bring the family and “split” the goodies. Offered as “Family Meal Deals,” Gerald will actually put together a meal for your family or your group – eat in or eat at home – you simply tell him how many you are feeding, and he will put the meal together for you.

Call ahead and beat the rush… take Gerald’s to the Beach, take it home, grab it to eat on the way, or come by, sit a spell and enjoy ice cold sweet tea.

Gerald Schantz has been cooking in the Coastal Empire since 1985. He’s catered for movie sets, film crews, for TV shows, as well as many festivals, concerts, and other outdoor events,… And he would be glad to cater to YOU…

Okay, so, I’m one of those unfortunate folks who has to sell their Tybee home, and leave the island. Wouldn’t you just know it that a guy named Gerrald shows up, and opens a place that makes food to…EAT ! Food is for eating, your country is to die for ! When I saw that longtime local Edwin Longwater called Gerrald’s the “best fried shrimp on Tybee Island !” I knew it was truth, not hype. I’ll be back, just no longer as an islander. Made in the shade with a cup of limeaide !